1923: The first Checker Cab made its debut, but not in New York or Chicago. Rather, it rolled down the streets of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Founded by Morris Markin in Chicago, the company relocated to Kalamazoo due to its skilled auto labor. The iconic yellow cab, adorned with white wall tires and a black and white checked stripe, swiftly became an American icon. After immigrating to the United States from Russia and transitioning into auto manufacturing during WWI, Morris Markin seized the opportunity to invest in a struggling auto company, which would become The Checker Cab Manufacturing Company.